GHMC proposes euthanasia for violent stray dogs in Hyderabad

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Mohammed Rayees 12 Mar 2025 8:04 PM

News in short:

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is petitioning the Telangana High Court to allow euthanasia for highly aggressive stray dogs in Hyderabad. This request comes after a rise in dog bite incidents, including a fatal attack on a four-year-old boy. The GHMC argues that despite spending significant funds on sterilization and vaccination programs, the population of violent stray dogs remains unmanageable, posing a serious threat to public safety. The civic body emphasizes that euthanasia would only be used as a last resort, under strict legal and veterinary supervision. The court took notice of the dog menace after the fatal attack and is currently considering the GHMC's request. Meanwhile, the GHMC encourages citizens to report aggressive or rabid dogs through various channels, including a mobile app, website, and social media, or by calling the emergency number 100.

Hyderabad: Amid rising cases of dog bites and dog attacks, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has requested the Telangana High Court to allow euthanasia (mercy killing) as a last resort for highly aggressive stray dogs that may put public safety at risk.

The civic body has submitted an affidavit before a bench led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara. The legal action comes after a spike in the dog bite incidents in Hyderabad.

The civic body said the entire process would be undertaken only under strict legal and veterinary supervision, to save lives and ensure public safety. The officials said the decision was taken to euthanise dogs as these stray animals are causing fatalities and severe injuries and have unleashed terror among children, elderly people and vulnerable communities such as slum dwellers who often use public spaces for daily activities.

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The court took suo motu notice of dog menace in the city after a four-year-old boy was mauled by a stray dog in Amberpet in February 2023.

The civic body said it has been spending crores of rupees on sterilisation of stray dogs and taking preventive measures by collaborating with animal welfare NGOs and yet the population of stray animals, especially violent dogs, remains unmanageable.

The GHMC further stated that the mass sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drives for street dogs is a continuous process across the city. The civic workers have identified hotspots where stray dogs are usually found such as schools, playgrounds and public spaces for sterilisation and vaccination. These preventive measures are being undertaken as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules-2023, it said.

If a stray dog displays aggressive behaviour or poses a threat, report it to local authorities by dialling 100 emergency service. In addition to the toll-free helpline, the civic body has launched various platforms for citizens to report aggressive or rabid dogs, including a mobile app, a web portal and social media.